2026 Salary — New Jersey
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in New Jersey: $112K Median
Physical Therapists in New Jersey earn between $84K and $146K per year.
That's +12% above the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in New Jersey is $111,675 per year — +12% above the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $84,000 (entry, 25th percentile) to $145,600 (90th percentile). New Jersey's cost-of-living index is 116. State income tax applies.
Median
$111,675
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$87,360
Experienced
$128,800
Top 10%
$145,600
About Physical Therapists in New Jersey
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access
ATS Keywords
DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in New Jersey
Walk-away anchor: $101,523.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — New Jersey
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in New Jersey?
The average Physical Therapist salary in New Jersey is $111,675 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $84,000 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $145,600 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Physical Therapist pay in New Jersey compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in New Jersey earn approximately 12% more than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $111,675 in New Jersey). New Jersey's cost-of-living index of 116 partially offsets the higher salary.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in New Jersey increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in New Jersey grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $16,920 in 2025 to $111,675 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which New Jersey cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
New Jersey has no major metros in our database — fallback to the closest tracked city for detailed breakdowns.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in New Jersey?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. New Jersey's top industries include Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Logistics, and the state's unemployment rate is 4.6% — steady demand for skilled workers.
Does New Jersey have state income tax?
Yes, New Jersey has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $111,675, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with New Jersey employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in New Jersey?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for New Jersey: $101,523.
Methodology
New Jersey Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by New Jersey's state multiplier (1.12×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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